Irish Senate recalled from summer break to discuss crisis in Gaza

Ireland’s upper house of Parliament is to be recalled from its summer recess to discuss the growing crisis in Gaza.

The Seanad (senate) is expected to sit on Wednesday or Thursday when it will be addressed by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan.

The move to recall the Seanad has been led by Independent Senator David Norris with support from Fianna Fail, independents and some Labour senators, according to an Irish Independent report.

Fianna Fáil Seanad leader Darragh O’Brien told the paper the recall was necessary to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

He said: “If the parliament remains silent on the issue it would mean that the Irish people are silent on it.”

Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power has led criticism of the Israeli action in Gaza and has welcomed the decision to recall the Seanad.

Power said: “Senators of all parties and none have been horrified by the deteriorating situation in Gaza and particularly the huge number of civilians that have been killed there.

“We sought this special Seanad debate so that we could discuss the situation in Gaza and Ireland’s response with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan.

“The Leader of the House Maurice Cummins has now informed me that the Seanad will sit as soon as possible and I welcome this.”

Irish Senate recalled from summer break to discuss crisis in Gaza

Senator David Norris leads bid for public debate on Israeli actions

By Patrick Counihan

Ireland’s upper house of Parliament is to be recalled from its summer recess to discuss the growing crisis in Gaza.The Seanad (senate) is expected to sit on Wednesday or Thursday when it will be addressed by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan.The move to recall the Seanad has been led by Independent Senator David Norris with support from Fianna Fail, independents and some Labour senators according to an Irish Independent report.** http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/seanad-to-be-recalled-to-debate-escalating-gaza-crisis-30462991.htmlFianna Fáil Seanad leader Darragh O’Brien told the paper the recall was necessary to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.He said: “If the parliament remains silent on the issue it would mean that the Irish people are silent on it.”Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power has led criticism of the Israeli action in Gaza and has welcomed the decision to recall the Seanad.Power said: “Senators of all parties and none have been horrified by the deteriorating situation in Gaza and particularly the huge number of civilians that have been killed there.“We sought this special Seanad debate so that we could discuss the situation in Gaza and Ireland’s response with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan.“The Leader of the House Maurice Cummins has now informed me that the Seanad will sit as soon as possible and I welcome this.”